The highly secretive regime of North Korea is known for doing things its own way and relying only on its own resources as much as it can. Its IT industry is no exception so it doesn’t come as a surprise that we are now hearing reports of a smartphone being made in the country.
The Korean Central News Agency, which is linked to the North Korean government, reported that leader Kim Jong-un visited the country’s “May 11 Factory”, which is manufacturing the device. There is very little detail on the “Arirang” smartphone, named after a popular Korean folk song, aside from having a touchscreen, a camera with high pixels, and the government’s trademark.
The phone is also reported to be running an application program in Korean style which will provide the best convenience to users while maintaining strict security. Although not explicitly mentioned, sources speculate that the smartphone will be running Android with custom apps and themes.
There is some doubt whether the phone is truly being manufactured inside North Korea. Sources point out that the country has very little hardware experience and is likely to be importing parts from other countries like China, with which it has friendly ties. The smartphone will likely be sold through Koryolink, a joint venture between Korea Post and Telecommunications Corporation and Egyptian company Orascom Telecom.
VIA: North Korea Tech
I nominate Tim Cook and the entire AAPL legal team to go to North Korea and file suit in their courts.
haha
The tin cans on a string must not have worked out after all?
I’m sure the entire North Korean people will have access to this phone